Town Council Meeting Minutes March 1999

Council Reports

Planning Commission

John Compton reported that the Town hosted a meeting on February 17 with Montgomery County transportation staff and CSX Transportation staff to facilitate badly needed repairs to the railroad crossing. Drainage problems have worsened, creating problems for vehicles crossing the tracks and for trains. John said that once traffic detour plans have been prepared and approved, the crossing will be closed for two or three days, probably April 6-8.

Heritage

Paris Pacchione reported on efforts underway to publish another special issue of the Town Bulletin. Eve Zibart would like to write a piece on the history of volunteerism in the Grove. Gaithersburg Gazette reporter Lori Launi was complimented on her article about the Grove’s history.

Forestry

Carol Uhlendorf reported that Forestry Committee member Pete Kollasch has drawn a concept plan for pavers in the area immediately in front of McCathran Hall. The pattern of pavers mirrors the octagonal shape of the Hall.

Intergovernmental

Carol Uhlendorf announced that she has been nominated to represent the Municipal League on the committee charged with determining how the County will observe Year 2000.

Recreation Events

Carol Uhlendorf reported that a petting zoo will come to Woodward Park on April 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. and that the Montgomery Village Community Band will perform at the gazebo on Sunday, May 16, followed by an ice cream social. Mayor Briggs introduced a proposal that the Town sponsor a series of four classical music concerts in the next fiscal year. Tanya Anisimova has volunteered to arrange for the Town to engage professional artists, and Alice Negin and Ann Briggs will coordinate publicity and ticket sales. The concert series will be similar to the Grove’s Mousetrap Concert series. The Town will guarantee the performers a minimum of $300 per performance with ticket sales anticipated to cover all Town costs. The Council expressed enthusiasm for the idea.

Recreation Facilities

Nick Suzich reported that consideration will be given to moving the lake electric meter so that the meter could be read every month. The Town is looking for a source for barley bales to use for algae control. Maple Lake cleanup will be Saturday, April 24. Long Fence has provided an estimate of $9,000 for replacing the fence around the asphalt tennis court. Nick asked about the procedure for modifying the Town Woodward Park ordinance to allow greater flexibility in scheduling Town facilities while continuing to limit group permits.

Hall Renovation

Allen Winter presented a plan showing interlocking pavers used to resurface the access paths around McCathran Hall. The Council and Maintenance Supervisor Jim Fletcher suggested changes to better accommodate occasional vehicular access. Several bid options were developed to allow the Town to stay within budget confines. There was disagreement over the use of gravel edging with John Compton and Dave Gumula expressing concerns about maintenance and appearance. Mary Challstrom reported that the Town had received a letter from the Maryland Historical Trust approving the project.

Public Safety

Allen Winter reported that he and Ed Roberts met to discuss public safety issues. Another meeting has been scheduled for March 31. Parking along Center Street between Hickory and Chestnut Roads has been a problem because of the narrow road. Allen and Paris Pacchione will ask residents not to block Chestnut Avenue and to park in the wider part of Center Street near Chestnut Road.

Maintenance

Paris Pacchione reported on several items which will necessitate change orders in the Maintenance Shop Addition project. Prior to County permit approval, an additional pedestrian door was required and excessive ground water caused inspectors to require deeper excavation for the footers. Jim Fletcher has purchased a sump pump to use at the shop. Paris reported that Jim Fletcher cut up and cleared a large tree which toppled into the intersection at Chestnut Road and Brown Street. Jim has also met with Bob Holston to arrange for fill dirt for Grove Road and the tennis court.

Street Lighting

Paris Pacchione reported that the Street Light Committee met at the commercial corner after dark to assess the need for increased outdoor lighting. This action followed a request for security lighting by Post Office employees. The Committee noted that some existing fixtures did not work or had incorrect wattage. The Committee recommended fixture styles and light placement to minimize the impact on neighboring residents while improving the safety for after dark users of the parking area. After discussing these recommendations with Postmaster Debbie Berger, Mayor Briggs will send them to Steve Beck, the property owners’ representative.